Guardian Focus podcast + Pensions | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/series/guardian-focus-podcast+money/pensions
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Guardian Focus podcast: public sector strikehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/audio/2011/dec/01/focus-podcast-public-sector-strike
Unite's Rachael Maskell, Matthew Sinclair of the Taxpayers Alliance and Tom Clark discuss this week's public sector strike over the reform of pensions. With Hugh Muir<p>Britain's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/30/strikes-public-sector-pensions-impact">biggest one-day strike for 30 years</a> took place this week, closing schools and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/30/strikes-unions-pensions-cuts">disrupting the health service, among other public services</a>. At issue: the proposed <a href="http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/pensions-reform/">reform of public sector pensions</a>. The government says the current scheme is too expensive and can't be justified to taxpayers; unions claim their members are being asked to pay more in contributions for a smaller pension. </p><p>We hear from those demonstrating in London, and from members of the public not taking part in industrial action. With many people in the private sector facing far worse pension provision, the onus has been on public sector workers to make their case. Opinion polls show they are having some success: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15910621">61% of people said the strike was "justified"</a> in a BBC survey. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/audio/2011/dec/01/focus-podcast-public-sector-strike">Continue reading...</a>30 November public sector strikeTrade unionsPublic sector cutsPublic sector pensionsPensionsPublic sector paySchoolsEducationPoliticsSocietyUK newsIndustrial actionThu, 01 Dec 2011 15:07:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/audio/2011/dec/01/focus-podcast-public-sector-strikePhotograph: Suzanne Plunkett/REUTERSA protestor takes part in a march by unionised public service workers in London November 30, 2011. Teachers, nurses and border guards protesting over pension reform staged Britain's first mass strike for more than 30 years on Wednesday in a confrontation with the government over its austerity measures. Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/REUTERSPhotograph: Suzanne Plunkett/REUTERSA protestor takes part in a march by unionised public service workers in London November 30, 2011. Teachers, nurses and border guards protesting over pension reform staged Britain's first mass strike for more than 30 years on Wednesday in a confrontation with the government over its austerity measures. Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/REUTERSPresented by Hugh Muir and produced by Peter Sale and Phil Maynard2011-12-01T15:07:59Z